LORMAN — George E. Ross, president of Alcorn State University recently announce the appointment of Marcus D. Ward as associate vice president for development and alumni relations.

He will be responsible for alumni affairs and development strategies in several key program areas. Ward will serve as the senior level administrative manager within the Division of Development and Marketing.

He is a native of West Point and most recently held the position of chief of staff and director of intergovernmental affairs for the late Frank E. Melton, mayor of the City of Jackson.

Ward graduated cum laude with honors distinction from Alcorn with a bachelor of arts in political science/pre-law. In 2004, Ward earned his master of public administration degree along with an information technology policy and management advanced certificate at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.